Tag Archives: ipalc

10.31.17
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What Can Blood Tests Reveal?

blood tests

blood testsBlood tests help your physician discover potential underlying health issues. It is recommended to have a blood test done yearly in order to check levels. The question most of us have is “What are they looking for?”

What a blood test can tell you

An Enzyme test may be ordered. The enzyme levels will indicate disease or damage to organs such as kidneys and liver. This test is also helpful in adjusting medication levels.

Complete Blood Count (CBC)  is the most often ordered. It will take count of the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, iron, and platelets. It is used to diagnose infection, blood disorders, inflammation and even detects anemia (iron deficiency). It will show how well your thyroid, heart, and other organs are performing and if there is an infection such as HIV/AIDS where your body is working against itself in an autoimmune response.

Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP)  This is run on the plasma in your blood. It measures electrolytes, minerals, glucose, and calcium and can detect issues like cancer, diabetes, bone disease and kidney disease.

These are all incredibly valuable tools diagnostically.  It is, however, important to note that all tests are fallible. If you get a positive for a major illness it is vital to do the test a second time to confirm before deciding on and proceeding with any form of treatment.

Whether you are looking for a specialist or a general practitioner if you are in the Lee County Florida area we would like to invite you to visit IPALC (Independent Physicians of Lee County) and use their FREE physician referral service www.ipalc.org/find.

10.04.17
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What is a Colposcopy?

Colposcopy

ColposcopyIf you have had a routine pap smear exam, which is suggested for women every three years, and it has come back repeatedly with a result of abnormal cells, your Gynecologist may suggest that you have a colposcopy done to further examine the situation and get a better gauge of your cervical health.

A colposcopy is a term used to describe a cervical biopsy. A tissue sample may be taken from either outside or inside the cervix, occasionally both are needed for the exam. A typical colposcopy takes only 10-15 minutes at the most.

What you will experience

Much like your yearly wellness exam or pap smear you will be asked to put on a paper gown and lay flat on the exam table, knees up, heels in the stirrups so the doctor can examine you. This position is necessary to be able to clearly see the cervix.

A speculum is inserted and a vinegar-like solution is used to wash the area to be biopsied. The physician will use an instrument called a colposcope (it looks like stand mounted binoculars attached to a light). It is used to examine you visually from several inches away. If at that time abnormal cells are visible a small biopsy is taken.

The colposcopy itself is nearly pain-free. Only the normal pressure of the speculum sliding in is felt and a possible slight sting of the vinegar solution. If you do need the actual biopsy expect slight discomfort. It is described as a sharp pinching which brings on a cramp like you have during a menstrual cycle. Bleeding and dark discharge is to be expected for the next 24 to 48 hours.

While it is often told to patients that they can simply return to work following the procedure, the fact is that this is actually a trauma to the body, however minor, some people do not feel so hot afterwards so if at all possible on the day you have this done, have the rest of the day off to go lay down and rest, just in case. With that said, many feel just fine afterward – it is just better to err on the side of caution.

Following a colposcopy do not have sex, use tampons or use any medication vaginally for a full 24 hours in order for the biopsied area to have time to heal. Your doctor’s office will let you know when the lab results are back and call you to let you know how to proceed based on the findings.

If you are in need of a gynecologist or oncologist in the Lee County, Florida area we invite you to utilize our free resource www.ipalc.org/find. It is a listing of Independent physicians in Lee County who provide the finest health care in Southwest Florida putting the value back in the doctor-patient relationship.

09.15.17
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Gallstones – What you need to know!

Gallstones

GallstonesGallbladder pain is unmistakable if you have ever experienced it. It can range from a dull ache to a sharper debilitating doubling over kind of pain that seems to go straight through your core.

It is alarming to say the very least. With so many organs in your abdomen, there are many reasons this area can be experiencing pain. If you haven’t previously had a gallbladder attack you may not be able to pinpoint what it is without some medical intervention.

Let’s see if we can help narrow it down for you:

Where is your gallbladder located? The gallbladder sits in the upper right part of your abdomen just under your liver. This organ’s purpose is to store and concentrate bile, provide bile salts for fat digestion, and it also helps cholesterol transport and recycling.

Gallstones, for the most part, begin to form in the gallbladder when the cholesterol cannot be kept in a dissolved state, so it begins to crystallize and turn to stones. When these stone get larger, they’re known as gallstones. If they don’t affect bile movement a person will never know these stones are there because they have no signs or symptoms. Stones can be seen with imaging techniques such as ultrasound or CT scan.

A person’s gender and race seem to dictate the likelihood of developing gallstones. For example, gallstones are prevalent in 5 percent of black males but 64 percent in Native American women.

How do you know if your pain is gallstone pain? The pain you feel will be located in the upper center or right of the abdomen; this pain will be persistent for one to six hours, especially after eating fatty/rich foods. Often, this obstruction in the bile duct will resolve on its own and pain will disappear; however, if this pain lasts longer than six hours, the pressure in the gallbladder builds leading to distension, inflammation, and swelling; this is referred to as cholecystitis.

If a patient has cholecystitis and it is quickly diagnosed, it will be treated with fluids, bowel rest, and antibiotics. If they have another attack, gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy) is a recommended. If not treated right away, the cholecystitis symptoms will worsen; a person will become feverish, nauseous, and even vomit. The pain will begin to spread up to the upper part of the back, and this is when a person usually heads to urgent care or the ER.

Serious cases of cholecystitis can lead to further and more life-threatening complications such as infection of the liver bile ducts, gangrene of the gallbladder, and pancreatitis. All these conditions require hospitalization, drainage, and antibiotics.

If a cholecystectomy is needed, gallbladder removal, this is a same-day surgery and patient can eat later in the day or the following day. A person doesn’t need a gallbladder to survive. Without the gallbladder, only small amounts of fat can be digested at a time. If a person consumes too much fat, he or she will experience diarrhea.

If you been experiencing abdominal pain, it’s time to see your doctor. Gallbladder issues, left untreated over time will get worse. If it’s extreme and you are unable to see your doctor quickly, head to the ER or an urgent care center. For a primary doctor in the Fort Myers area, contact Dr. Kordonowy of Internal Medicine, Lipid & Wellness. Through an examination and testing, Dr. Kordonowy can diagnose the cause of your stomach pain. To book an appointment, click here or call 239-362-3005, ext. 200.  Dr. Kordonowy is a concierge doctor and provides direct primary care services.

08.01.17
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Will The Side Effects of Medication Simply Go Away?

Side effects

Side effectsOddly, the answer may be “yes”.

The lists of possible side effects can be over whelming. While it is only a small percentage of people who will experience side effects – but what if you happen to be in that small percent?

You have spent the money and taken the time to go see a doctor in hopes of feeling better. They have assessed your situation and made recommendations based on your personalized health profile.

After filling your prescriptions you head home and hope for the best popping the medication into your mouth with some water. Now, you wait. While it’s good to be informed, reading the enclosed pamphlet or print out from your pharmacy can be unnerving. The list of possible side effects is generally not a small list. You push it from your mind and move on with your day.

What if you begin to notice that you just aren’t feeling “quite right”? Is it a side effect of the new medication or just an off day? It isn’t easy to know. Should you call your doctor? Wait it out? Keep taking the prescription? Stop all together?

Doing a little research on your particular medication may help put your mind at ease and allow you to make a sensible decision.

What you generally aren’t being told:

If you really don’t know what to expect as far as an experience with a specific drug, you might give up on it right before it begins its intended function.

Most side effects are temporary. (unless you are experiencing a side effect that is life threatening – in which case, seek medical attention immediately).

If you take a new medication and feel something that makes you uncomfortable the natural reaction is to stop taking it. The medical community calls this “non-adherence”. Stopping a medication abruptly can sometimes be detrimental to your health.

The reason many side effects are temporary:

When ingesting a new drug it takes some time to reach what is known as a steady state. Steady state is reaching a balance point where the medication coming in is equal to the amount going out. This is why it is important to take them at the same times daily so that the concentration levels in your blood stream stay on track.

Once your body adjusts and reaches this optimal steady state, many side effects will dissipate to tolerable if not completely gone entirely.

Never hesitate to call and talk to your doctor, pharmacist, nurse practitioner or even many insurance companies have nurse help lines. You should always feel comfortable with what you are taking and if there is a serious side effect, your doctor can change the dose or the medication entirely.

If you are looking for a physician in Lee County, Florida please use our free resource by going to www.ipalc.org/find to search by specialty and location.

08.01.17
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Dealing with IBS

ibs

ibsIrritable bowel syndrome – and the uncomfortable abdominal pain, gas and chronic diarrhea or constipation that goes with it – can be a mild inconvenience or a severe impediment to daily life, affecting an individual’s social and professional habits. Two out of every three people with IBS symptoms are female, according to the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders.

This disorder is estimated to affect as many as 45 million Americans. The symptoms are tough to deal with, painful, uncomfortable and if you don’t happen to be at home when an attack strikes, embarrassing as well.

Experts say emotional stress can aggravate symptoms, but stress alone doesn’t cause IBS. Hormonal changes and reactions to certain types of foods or beverages also play a role in the severity or frequency of symptoms.

While the root cause of IBS isn’t known and a cure doesn’t exist, experts believe that poorly coordinated signals between the brain and the gut are to blame, along with abnormalities in the gastrointestinal nervous system. A family history of IBS may increase the risk of symptoms, which can affect each person differently.

A gastroenterologist can help with the management of IBS symptoms and can recommend prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs. Those experiencing discomfort may the reduce the severity of symptoms by:

 –Slowly increasing the amount of soluble fiber in your daily diet.  Digestible fiber promotes regular bowel movements and reduces constipation. Soluble fibers are commonly found in oats and beans.

–Keep track of the type of symptoms you’re experiencing, how long they last and any triggers that may be associated with them, including sources of emotional stress. Also, note any medications or supplements you’ve been taking.On the other hand, insoluble fiber – which is found in cabbage, lettuce, onions, and peppers — may increase symptoms, so pay attention to which fruits and vegetables precede discomfort.

–Reduce the consumption of caffeine and alcohol, known triggers of IBS symptoms. Spicy meals, rich dairy products, and foods that are high in fat can also trigger irregular bowel movements.

It’s worth noting that physicians recommend those with IBS symptoms get checked for Celiac Disease, an autoimmune disorder that’s triggered by the consumption of gluten – a protein typically found in wheat and grains.

Gastroenterologists Brent M. Meyers M.D., Evelyn R. Kessel M.D. and Irma Cruz M.D. in Fort Meyers and Cape Coral are members of the Independent Physicians Association of Lee County, a network of independent physicians committed to maintaining high-quality medical care in southwest Florida. For help selecting an independent physician or for more information on the IPALC, call 239-314-0791 or visit http://www.ipalc.org.

 

 

07.10.17
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Managing Hives

ipalc rash

ipalc rashBreaking out in hives can make you crazy. The itching, the scratching, it can be so intense it keeps you up at night. Nothing seems to help and until you know the source, you feel doomed to bouts at pretty well any moment.

When they initially come to pass it becomes a process of elimination in order to figure out the cause and eliminate it from your life.

Brought on by Hives, although normally associated with allergic reactions, can also be brought on by stress, insect bites, certain medications, infections, sun exposure and even extreme cold. The sooner you identify what it is that is causing hives for you, the better and more quickly you can halt them.

What works?

  1. Avoidance of the stimulant is the #1 best defense. If you can’t avoid it or haven’t yet figured out what it is here are some suggestions to help.
  2. Take Benadryl (antihistamine) to calm the reaction.
  3. Oatmeal or anti-itch bath – take a cool bath and soak allowing the skin to moisturize.
  4. Scratching, though it may feel good, will increase the need to scratch. It’s a vicious circle. If at all possible, avoid scratching. If that isn’t possible, try and use a skin brush rather than your nails which can have bacteria on them and are more prone to tearing. The brush will feel even better and not lead to broken skin areas.
  5. Moisturize with a hypoallergenic lotion directly after the bath. Pat dry.
  6. Use Calamine lotion to relieve itching by cooling the skin.
  7. Talk to your doctor about prescription options if you experience chronic hives.

 

Let your doctor help you pinpoint the cause. They are able to help diagnose and get to the root of the problems so that you can get on with your life, hive free. To find a practitioner here in Lee County, Florida please visit our FREE resource list from the Independent Physicians Association of Lee County by going to www.ipalc.org/find.

07.07.17
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Has Sleepwalking Become a Problem?

sleepwalker

sleepwalkerSleepwalking can be problematic for not only the sleepwalker themselves but for anyone living with them.  Erratic night time behavior can leave the walker exhausted, never really getting a deep sleep and the person or people around them sleepless and on edge.

The term sleepwalking seems simple enough. It implies that the person simply wanders around the house at night in a daze. That isn’t always the full case. People have been known to eat odd items, have conversations, perform odd behaviors, try and drive, and at times even become violent.

Sleepwalking can go undiagnosed for years if no one is there to witness the events. The sleepwalker may notice things in their home seem to be moved or left out but not correlate it to sleep events and even rather to possible memory issues. If there is a witness, sleepwalking is hard to ignore.

A genetic element has been pinpointed in this condition. If you have other relatives that sleepwalk, it is 10x more likely that you may as well.

What causes sleepwalking behavior other than genetics: being sleep deprived, not having a normalized sleep schedule, living in a stressful environment that doesn’t seem to be resolving itself, drinking excessively, or taking prescription medications (sedatives, neuroleptics, stimulants and even antihistamines).

Certain medical conditions have also been linked to sleepwalking. They may include, but are not limited to:

  • Heart Problems
  • Nighttime asthma
  • Fever
  • Obstructive sleep apnea
  • Heartburn
  • Restless leg syndrome
  • Psychiatric disorders (dissociative states, multiple personality disorder, panic attacks, PTSD)

If you have a sleepwalker in the home the most important thing is to keep a safe environment. Lock doors and windows, place an alarm bell on the bedroom door, sleep on the ground floor, limit stress and meditate or take part in relaxation exercises. If sleepwalker is extreme, locking up car keys and sharp objects may also be a good idea.

Living with a sleepwalker can be disarming. They are erratic and you never know exactly what to expect, if an event will happen or you will get a good night’s rest. Getting help is key for all involved to be able to live a rested peaceful life.

Sleep studies can be done to diagnose the exact issue. This can help to rule out if the condition is stemming from the physical or from emotional or mental. The condition can generally be treated fairly effectively with relaxation techniques and or certain medications.

To find a sleep specialist in Lee County, Florida please visit the Independent Physicians Association of Lee County by visiting www.ipalc.org/find.

 

07.05.17
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Does Medical Terminology Confuse You?

terminology

terminologyDoctors spend over a decade on schooling, sometimes more depending on the choice of specialty. Is it any wonder that they come out speaking a whole other language than the rest of us?

While many different professions have their own lingo, the medical profession exaggerates this disconnect because so many of the terms are simply foreign to the majority of us in the public.

Doctors need to be able to get across their diagnoses, thoughts, and possible strategies in order to have a successful doctor-patient exchange.

Unfortunately, not all doctors have an ideal bedside manner or the ability to simplify and communicate effectively. This can leave patients not fully understanding their situation and if there was ever a topic that really needs to be fully understood it’s your own medical advice.

Brushing up on your medical lingo can give you confidence in doctor-patient communications making your visits less stressful. Even more importantly, if you don’t understand something you are being told, do not be afraid to ask questions.

 

Here are some of the most commonly used medical terms. They are a good starting off point for better understanding your own health.

 

ABATEMENT – A decrease in the acuity of a symptom.

 

ABSCESS – A collection of fluid located on or in the body. This is an immune system response to an infection. It is accompanied by redness and swelling.

 

ACUTE – Condition that comes on suddenly, with severity and ends after a short course.

 

AMBULATORY – Ability to walk.

 

ASYMPTOMATIC – Shows no symptoms.

 

BENIGN – A condition or abnormal growth that is treatable and not life-threatening.

 

BIOPSY – Removal of tissue for diagnostic purposes.

 

CYANOTIC – Bluish color of the skin due to poor circulation and lack of oxygen in the blood.

 

EDEMA – Abnormal accumulation of fluid in the body causing swelling of the affected area.

 

EMBOLISM – The halting of blood flow by a blood clot, which can result in a stroke or heart attack.

 

FIBRILLATION – Uncontrollable twitching of muscle fibers of the heart.

 

IDIOPATHIC – Of unknown cause.

 

PALLIATIVE – Treatment is given to alleviate symptoms of a disease but not cure it. This mainly refers to pain management of a chronic disease state.

 

RADICULAR – Referring to the nerve roots which originate in the spine.

 

SUBLUXATION – A slight dislocation or misalignment of a bone in a joint.

 

The more well-learned you are, the more confident you will feel when speaking with doctors, nurses and other medical personnel, whether it’s regarding your own health or that of a friend or loved one.

To find a doctor in Lee County, Florida please visit our free resource www.ipalc.org/find sponsored by the Independent Physicians Association of Lee County.

06.07.17
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Is it a Stye?

stye

styeWhat IS a stye?

A Stye is an eye infection.  A stye can form when a single oil gland on the edge of your eyelid becomes infected with a staph bacterium originating inside of the nose. The eye can become infected when you scratch or pick your nose and then inadvertently touch your eye.

Do you need to see a doctor for a stye?

Most of the time a stye will heal on its own, but if you do not see improvement after 7 or 8 days, make an appointment to go visit your eye doctor. They can prescribe an antibiotic ointment to help prevent reoccurrences.

Redness, pain, and swelling are well-known markers of a stye infection as well as the telltale white bump. This is sometimes accompanied by a swollen eyelid or entire eye. While they are contagious, infecting others is unlikely unless you share pillows, bedsheets, washcloths or towels with others. It is best to keep all of them separate and washed often.

Styes pop up seemingly out of nowhere overnight. One day your eye is clear and healthy and the next, irritated, red and swollen. Though a stye won’t impair your vision, it is uncomfortable and aggravating. It may also make you extra sensitive to light and feel like you have something in your eye that you cannot get out.

It may look very much like a pimple with a white head, but unlike a pimple, it is not advisable to try and pop. – Attempting to pop will cause more pain and will thwart healing. It is not constructed like a pimple and no amount of pressure will push the infection out, you may end up rupturing it and spreading the bacterium and making the situation worse.  Instead, apply hot compresses to get it to come out by itself. 10 -15 minutes at a time keeping your eye closed 3-4 times a day will work the stye to the surface and out of your eye over the course of several days.

To find a qualified Optometrist in Lee County please visit www.ipalc.org/find.

 

05.03.17
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Yearly Wellness Exam

wellness exam

Have you had your annual wellness exam yet this year? Surprisingly, many people overlook and bypass going despite the fact that it is covered 100% by most insurance policies. This quick checkup can help to maintain your health year after year as you age. It only takes an hour or less and can give you peace of mind.

The exam starts by taking a personal Health Risk Assessment. This includes health history, family health history, and physical exam. Your doctor will take note of any physical complaints you currently have as well. The family history can be important in diagnosing symptoms as some conditions and diseases are genetic and hereditary. It is important to bring a list of all medications and supplements with you for a completely accurate outcome.

Glucose and cholesterol levels are measured by doing bloodwork. Fasting, drinking water only, for 8 hours’ prior is usually assigned before your appointment.

They will then examine your eyes, mouth, ears, nose and skin. Your doctor will check vitals such as blood pressure, pulse, oxygen level, and heart rate. Height and weight will be taken to determine your BMI (body mass index) making sure you are in the normal range making suggestions for best health.

Age appropriate screenings may be included: For younger sexually active patient’s STD screenings may be offered as well if deemed necessary. Breast exams, as well as prostate check, may also be included, though full exams should be done by your gynaecologist and proctologist respectively.

Opening up the patient-doctor dialogue is vital during not only your wellness exam but during any visit. Choosing a doctor, you are comfortable talking to can make a difference in your overall health care. Honesty in answers and feeling free to ask questions makes it easier for the doctor to get a full health picture and give you answers based on fact. It enables them to give you the very best personalized recommendations.

If you are looking for a physician in Lee County, Florida please visit www.ipalc.org/find to find a doctor near you.